DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Daytona 500 got off to a dramatic start on Sunday, featuring an appearance by former President Donald Trump, but the race itself was short-lived. After just 11 laps, rain forced NASCAR to wave the caution flag, putting a stop to the action.
Before the delay, Trump made a grand entrance, riding in the presidential limousine, “The Beast,” and leading drivers around the track in a ceremonial lap. Addressing the racers, he praised their skill and dedication.
“This is your favorite president. I’m a big fan. I am a really big fan of you people,” Trump said. “How you do this, I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun, and I’ll see you later.”
However, Trump didn’t get to see much racing. Rain began falling on the west side of the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway, bringing the event to a standstill. Defending Daytona 500 champion William Byron was in the lead when the race was paused.
NASCAR had already moved up the start time to 2 p.m. ET in anticipation of bad weather. With forecasts showing a 99% chance of rain and drying the track taking around two hours, it could be 7 p.m. before racing resumes.
The rain delay marks the sixth time in 14 years that NASCAR’s biggest event has been disrupted by weather. In previous years, the Daytona 500 has even been postponed to Monday three times (2012, 2020, and 2024), while delays in 2014 and 2021 stretched over five hours each.
While the drivers retreated to their motorhomes, fans scrambled for cover under bar areas or browsed merchandise tents—where $8 ponchos became a hot commodity.
Adding to the star power at the event, actor Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Captain America, gave the command for drivers to start their engines. Mackie had even more reason to celebrate, as his film Captain America: Brave New World dominated the box office over the holiday weekend, nearing the $100 million mark.
“It’s amazing to be here and see it in person and be welcomed in this way,” Mackie said. “The movie being No. 1, on top of America’s great race—it’s phenomenal. It feels like the perfect moment.”
With the rain delay in full swing, fans might have time to catch a movie before the Daytona 500 finally gets back on track.
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